Potential consumer assessment on the usage of diesel-cng dual fuel vehicle in Malaysia

Abstract

A Diesel-CNG dual fuel vehicle is a modified diesel vehicle that is capable of running two fuels. It may have future potential in Malaysia because of its promising cleaner exhaust emissions and lower fuel cost. Thus, a study on its prospective implementation was executed based on three objectives. First is to evaluate potential consumer acceptance of Diesel-CNG Dual Fuel application in Malaysia. Second is to analyse the public awareness on Diesel-CNG Dual Fuel vehicles, and third is to estimate economic gains of using the Diesel-CNG Dual Fuel vehicle. This study focused on consumers that are using light and medium duty diesel vehicles in Malaysia. A quantitative method was applied to obtain the data in the study. A survey was conducted and the set of questionnaires were circulated through two methods, personal interviews and an online response medium. All data from the survey was analysed based on the sampling size obtained from Transport Statistics Malaysia. The survey result shows a total of 63% respondents are interested in installing the DDF system to their vehicle in order to lower their fuel cost and help in conserving the environment. In addition, 70% respondents stated that the main cause that preventing them from installing the DDF system is lack of NGV stations and shop services. Level of awareness on Diesel-CNG Dual Fuel vehicle in Malaysia is still low with only 40% of the respondents know the existence of this system. However, they have shown that their awareness on the current environmental issues is very high.